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I listened intently, scribbling notes as quickly as I could. After all, this was a topic that was dear to my heart and I wanted to soak up all the little nuggets of wisdom from this acclaimed expert.
He’s written several bestselling books, coached thousands and mentored just as many. Thought to be the world’s leading expert on leadership, I was practically ‘sitting at his feet’.
How does one live a life of purpose?
How do you move from average living to purposeful living? I was all ears.
As most good webinars do, they ended with a call to action – that part of the workshop where they invite you to take action on what you learned. It was an invitation to sign up for a 5-part video course to the tune of a couple of hundred dollars. This, the expert suggested, would transform you from “standard living to extraordinary living”. All because you were given the tools and encouragement to live every day with purpose.
Who’s in?
I immediately started justifying the investment. I just knew that if I didn’t sign up within 72 hours, I’d be missing out on something great.
Have you been there? Have you ever experienced a fear of missing out?
Do you look at others who are walking in their purpose and think that somehow you missed the boat?
Maybe it’s the age we live in, but this fear of missing out is real. There are so many opportunities and resources available that we think if we don’t snatch them now, we’ll be left behind.
This particular offer made me feel like I’d found just the answer I was looking for. It was the missing piece and I had to jump on it right away.
But suddenly, I was struck with a moment of clarity.
Don’t get me wrong. Had circumstances been different, I might have signed up on the spot. ‘Purposeful living for $199, yes please.’
But recently God has been working on me in a different way. And my fear of missing out was about to be trumped. You see, the lessons God has been teaching me is taking root and I beg your indulgence to share them with you in the event you can glean something from them too.
Lessons on Purpose When You Fear You’re Missing Out
If you feel that your purpose is passing you by, read on for some soul-stirring truth.
- Blessings flow for those who trust God and wait on Him
“Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” Psalm 37:3-7 NIV
It’s so tempting to look around at the accomplishments of others and wonder if I’m being passed by. This comparison trap steals my joy and always leaves me feeling less than. That is why God calls me to focus on Him.
When I trust God, delight in God, commit to God, be still before God and wait patiently on God, I will be blessed. Did you catch that? It’s all about God!
The plans God has for me will be accomplished in His good time. I need to keep my eyes on Him, do my part and give Him the space to do His.
- God is accomplishing a greater purpose
The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Psalm 33:10-11 NIV
The world wants me to think that everything revolves around me and my desires. There is no disputing that God has great plans for me (Jeremiah 29:11) but it’s really God’s plan that is front and centre. Not mine.
I might not always grasp what He’s doing on this side of eternity, but I can rest assured that He’s accomplishing His purposes for all generations.
- God has already given me everything I need
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these, he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV
As tempting as a 5-part ‘life-transforming’ video series might be, I have something even better. God’s divine power was included in the package when I signed up to follow Him — at no extra charge.
Sadly, the world would have us believe that we’re lacking, and God’s Word is outdated and irrelevant. None of that is true.
When you have a problem that needs solving, start with God’s Word.
Not sure which direction to take? Consult Him in prayer.
You will find that He’ll even put people in your path to speak a word of truth at the right moment when you need it. Sometimes we just need to be willing to listen.
Take Heart
So, take heart and don’t let your fear of missing out cause you to doubt God and His purpose for you. Focus on pleasing Him and trust that He has you covered. Do the next right thing and He will do the rest.
By the way, if you’re still curious about how to move from ordinary to extraordinary living, just grab a Bible and read 2 Peter 1:5-8. It’s right there in plain sight and it won’t cost you a thing!
Marva Titley-Smith,
CMgr FCMI CCM
Marva is the BVI’s first local female architect and former Chief Planner. In 2012, after 26 years in the Public Service, she successfully transitioned careers and founded the management consultancy firm MatrixSpark specializing in strategic management training and coaching. She continues to welcome reinvention and is always on the lookout for what God is doing next.
You can find her writing about her life and faith on her website SunSparkleShine.com, a space where women are encouraged to shine brightly by living fully and abundantly right where they are (John 10:10).
Visit: bit.ly/vilifeandstyle to continue the discussion and get her tips on intentional living.
